Any other initiative must support and be in line with the consensus
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The issue related to the political and humanitarian crises in Myanmar dominated the discussion of foreign affairs ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Jakarta on Wednesday.

"We discussed various issues during the retreat session in a very open manner, highlighting the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus," Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi stated after chairing the retreat session of the 56th ASEAN Foreign Affairs Ministers' Meeting (AMM).

Minister Marsudi reiterated that the consensus must become the main reference for handling various issues in Myanmar.

"Any other initiative must support and be in line with the consensus," she noted.

The consensus called for an immediate end to violence; holding of dialogue among all parties; the appointment of a special envoy; allowing humanitarian assistance from ASEAN; and permitting an ASEAN special envoy to visit Myanmar to meet with all parties.

The minister noted that Indonesia, this year's ASEAN chair, had very intensive and broad engagements with all stakeholders in Myanmar, with the objective of realizing an inclusive national dialogue to create durable peace in the country.

"These engagements serve as a means to achieve the goals, including to build trust, bringing together those who have never met. This is not an easy task, but we keep striving to finish it," Marsudi noted.

Marsudi then underlined that during the retreat session, all ASEAN member states showed full support for Indonesia's approach that aligns with the mandate found in the consensus.

"At least, the engagements can encourage conflicting parties to start thinking of holding dialogues as the next building block. We believe that an inclusive dialogue will pave the way to political solution, which will lead to durable peace," she remarked.

Furthermore, Marsudi also stated that the ASEAN is still highly concerned over the continuing and increasing violence in Myanmar.

Hence, the ASEAN urges all stakeholders to stop violent acts, particularly those resulting in civilian casualties, including bombings in public facilities, such as schools and hospitals.

"Without putting an end to violence, we will not be able to create a conducive situation required for initiating dialogues," she emphasized.

Myanmar has been struggling with violent events and economic crisis as a result of the mutiny carried out by the military junta against the elected government in February 2021.

The junta then took follow-up measures to mute different opinions regarding the election result by launching brutal assaults, leading to high numbers of casualties and injuries as well as division in the country.

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Translator: Yashinta Difa, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Sri Haryati
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